How To Make Friends When Traveling Solo

by Jessica Festa on

Having nobody to travel with shouldn’t stop you from visiting the destinations you dream of going to. In fact, meeting others on the road is a lot easier than people think. To help you make friends while traveling solo, use the tips below.

Eat Alone At The Bar

It may sound strange, but eating alone at a bar is actually a great way to meet others. While eating alone at a table may not help you make connections, eating by yourself at the bar makes you approachable. Additionally, you’re more likely to encounter other solo travelers doing the same. And if all else fails, you’ll still have the bartender to talk to.Make Use Of CouchSurfing And Meetup

When I travel solo, CouchSurfing is my bible. I don’t use it to stay on people’s couches, but instead to connect with locals and other travelers. There are forums where you can tell people when you’re arriving in a city, see what other people have planned and browse events in the area. Likewise, Meetup allows you to find like-minded people and attend activities that match your interests, like hiking, meditation, philosophy or spicy food.

Stay In Hostels

While obvious to some, there are still many who are apprehensive about staying in hostels. They picture the movie “Hostel,” with dirty, dingy rooms and creepy guests and murderers lurking the halls. In reality, hostels are usually clean, with friendly staff and myriad activities to help you get to know the city. Look for properties with common areas like kitchens, TV rooms, bars and BBQ areas.

Take Walking Tours

Many cities offer free or affordable walking tours. When going on one, it’s almost impossible not to strike up conversations with other travelers. You can discuss how interesting the sites are, and then segue into what other tours they plan on taking. From there, making conjoined travel plans is simple.

Strike Up Conversations On Transportation

Taking public transportation is a great way to meet other travelers and locals. You can ask the person next to you about where they’re going, and about where they came from. For example, on a train journey through Germany, I met a young artist from Holland who was traveling the world indefinitely. Not only did he tell entertaining stories about being arrested for doing graffiti in New York, but we also ended up exploring Munich together.

Use The Currency Exchange

All travelers need money, so what better place to meet people than a currency exchange? This is where I met one of my closest friends from traveling. The line was long, and when he saw I was wearing a backpack like he was, he struck up a conversation. We ended up traveling together for two weeks, and still visit each other in our home cities.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a worthwhile way to spend your time in any city. Not only will you be helping a community in need, you’ll also be immersing yourself in a culture and getting to know locals and volunteers. A good idea is to do a homestay, as this helps you get an authentic experience of a place while becoming close with the people you’re living with.

Book Organized Trips

While doing excursions on your own will save you money, booking an organized tour will help you meet others. You’ll not only be interacting with the travelers on the tour, but also the local guide. Many times I’ll ask the guide about interesting places to see and fun places to go out, which leads to groups of people making plans to explore together.

Ask Questions

When traveling, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask other travelers about their trips, a local baker about how they bake fresh bread, a cab driver about the types of people they encounter or a hotel owner about what inspired them to begin a business. Every person you encounter is an opportunity to learn something new, and make a new connection.

Be Open To New Experiences

If a stranger invites you to go dancing, if a local wants to bring you as a guest to a wedding or if you get invited to dinner at someone’s home, take the opportunity. Again, it’s a great way to have an authentic experience while getting to know locals. That being said, always trust your gut. If you get a bad feeling about someone, get away immediately.

Use Social Media

Social media isn’t just for sharing funny pictures and telling the world how you’re feeling; it can also be used to meet other people when traveling. A lot of times when I’m going on a trip, I’ll put a tweet or Facebook status out telling others my plans. Even if nobody else will be in the city I’m traveling to, they may have a friend or family member who will be.

Host A Party Or Get Together

You don’t need to wait to hear about an event from someone else. Instead, plan one yourself. It doesn’t need to be anything lavish. Even having people get together at a karaoke bar or advertising a language exchange can get people excited. When in Mendoza, I was traveling solo and didn’t know anyone in the city. My birthday was coming up, so I decided to plan an event that included going to an asado restaurant and then out dancing. I posted a message on CouchSurfing, as well as put a note up in my hostel, and ended up having a group of about 12 people come along.

Picnic

This is especially effective in Europe, where picnicking is popular. Go to the market and pickup some cheese, bread, fruit, cold meat, wine and a blanket, and head to the nearest park or square. You can offer to share food with other people, or find other picnickers to share with.

Hangout In Parks

Not only are parks great for picnicking, they’re also the place where people go to do all kinds of activities. Hangout with people playing live music, get in on a game of frisbee or play some chess with a stranger. When I was at a park in China, a group of girls saw me watching them do traditional dance, and they asked me if I wanted to learn. I had a great time trying something new, and got to meet some really nice locals.

Pub Crawls

It’s almost impossible not to make friends on a pub crawl, especially since the alcohol will make you less nervous about going up to strangers. Moreover, the extremely social setting and outgoing guides help to get people mingling.

[images via ms.margie, Jessie on a Journey, Michael de’Oz, Jessie on a Journey, Jessie on a Journey, Jessie on a Journey, aherrero]

How to Choose the Best Travel Backpack

by Jessica Festa on

As someone who has backpacked numerous countries, I often have people ask me what to look for in a backpack. The pack you choose will have a big impact on the comfort and success of your trip. To help you make the right choice, use this guide on how to choose the perfect backpack for traveling.

Size Matters

For those who think they can just walk into the nearest sporting goods store and choose whichever pack looks the nicest, you will probably end up being very uncomfortable on your trip. The right pack should complement your torso length and sit snugly on your hips. Instead of measuring the length of your entire body, focus on the area from your shoulders to your hipbones. Likewise, you’ll need to choose the appropriate capacity of the bag. While REI suggests choosing a pack that’s 80 liters or more for an extended trip, I don’t think this is necessary unless you’ll be hiking and camping for two weeks or longer. Most of the backpackers I know, myself included, use packs that are about 55 liters for extended traveling, which is plenty of space unless you’re a heavy packer.

Don’t Be Cheap

I’m not saying the most expensive backpack is necessarily the best; however, having a good backpack can make or break your trip. If your backpack is uncomfortable, you’ll have a difficult time enjoying yourself. I’d recommend going to a passionate outfitter, like REI, where knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect pack. It’s a good idea before purchasing to walk around with rocks in the backpack to test it out. And, if the more expensive pack feels more comfortable, buy it.

Top Loading vs. Panel Loading

Top loading and panel loading refer to how you will pack and unpack your belongings. While top loading packs, not surprisingly, make use of the top of the backpack, panel loading makes use of the sides. Both have pros and cons, so it’s really about your preferences. Top loading can be a hassle. Every time you need to get something that’s not on the top of the bag, you’ll need to unload your belongings until you find it. However, the inside usually features a waterproof liner, which isn’t usually the case with panel loading bags. Likewise, panel loading tends to add weight to the pack, and the zippers are more likely to break off. If you can’t make a decision, one good backpack to consider is the REI Mars Pack, which offers top loading and a zippered front panel opening, giving you the best of both worlds.

Padded Straps

I would not recommend purchasing a backpack without a padded hip belt and shoulder straps. The padded hip belt helps to distribute the weight in your pack more evenly, while also giving you more support. Likewise, padded shoulder straps allow for less pressure on your shoulders and lower back.

Numerous Compartments

It can be difficult to stay organized when backpacking, especially for an extended period of time. Having a backpack with numerous compartments can help you keep related items together within easy reach. For example, I use a Gelert Wilderness 55, which allows me to separate my toiletries, tank tops, undergarments, socks, medications and thin shirts in the bag’s extra pouches. Because of this, I never have to unload my backpack to get to these items.

Contoured Back

Make sure the backpack you choose has a contoured back. Not only is this more comfortable, as it fits with your natural arch, it also creates a space to allow for air to flow through. One of the biggest obstacles with backpacking is, because the pack sits on your back with a lot of extra weight, you start to sweat more than usual. Some packs will even say on the back if they have a featured cooling design.

Internal vs. External Frame

There are two types of frames when it comes to backpacks, an internal frame and an external frame. Basically, an internal frame supports the backpack from the inside, while the external frame does so from the outside. In my opinion, internal frames are a lot more logical. Not only do they help to effectively place your weight on your hips, they tend to have a slimmer shape for easier maneuverability. They tend to be more comfortable, lighter, easier to carry and more aesthetically pleasing. External frame bags were the first type of backpack, and although internal frames are now an option, there are still those who enjoy using the old school, more rugged method.

Extra Features

This is the most fun part of choosing a backpack. Each backpack is unique in its own way due to the extra features you’ll be able to get. Some of these include secret compartments, camel backs, compression straps, adjustable torsos, sleeping bag storage, bite valve shut-off switches and much more. Think about what exactly you want your backpack to be capable of doing – for example, keeping you really organized or keeping your luggage dry – and then go from there.

Recommendations

There are myriad great backpacks out there, but some of my favorites include:

  • REI Mars Pack– This pack was built to handle heavy loads during extended trips. Some features include a hip belt webbing system, foam padded back panel, a “rip and stick” torso adjustment and dual-openings.
  • Gregory Z65 Pack– Good for lightweight multiday trips, and includes features like an adjustable hip belt, waterproof compartments and a hydration compatible design.
  • ALPS Mountaineering Denali 5500 Pack– This 90-liter backpack is good for those who will be doing rugged trekking, or have a lot they need to pack. A few of the features include an extendable lid and cinching collar, a removable top that doubles as a day pack and moisture-wicking fabric to help cool you down.

[images via Haolenate, Kurt Forstner, Matthew D. Lutze]

New Half Dome Permit System In Place For Yosemite

by Kraig Becker on

This past Friday, just in time for the busy Memorial Day Weekend, the climbing cables were put in place on Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, opening the door for hikers and backpackers to hit the iconic trail. The 16-mile round-trip trek includes a challenging scramble up the side of Yosemite’s famous rock formation and eventually winds its way to the summit, some 8800 feet above sea level. When they reach the top, hikers are rewarded with an unbelievable view of Yosemite Valley, which is a large part of the trail’s appeal.

In the past, the Half Dome trail has gotten very crowded and traffic jams have occurred on the climbing cables where slower hikers have been known to cause delays. In 2010, in an effort to prevent those issues, the National Park Service instituted a permit system for anyone wanting to hike the trail. That permit system has been further refined this year and visitors hoping to make the hike should be aware of the changes before they arrive.

This season the number of people on the trail is limited to just 400 per day – 300 of those being day hikers and the other 100 are backpackers intending to stay for a longer period of time. Applications are accepted at Recreation.gov and up to six permits can be requested on a single application. Furthermore, applicants can list up to seven dates that they would like to hike the trail and they’ll be eligible to receive their permits on one of those dates based on availability. Additionally, 50 permits will be made available through a daily lottery. In order to be eligible for those permits, hikers must apply online two days before their intended arrival in Yosemite. Permits cost $5 each and more details on the system can be found by clicking here.

Prior to instituting the permit system, the Half Dome trail would average more than 400 hikers per day during the week and twice that on the weekend. The system has made it more difficult for visitors to simply show up and hike the trail, but it has also made it safer all around. Additionally, by limiting the number of people on the trail on a daily basis, the environment is better protected. So far, the permit system has been a success and it appears that it will be come a permanent solution starting next year.

Peru’s Best Beach Town: Mancora

by Jessica Festa on

After hiking the Inca Trail outside Cuzco and exploring the museums in the bustling city of Lima, many travelers agree they crave nothing more than a relaxing setting and a beautiful beach. If you’re making your way north, a worthwhile stop is Mancora, thought by many locals and tourists to feature Peru‘s best beaches.

Getting There

If you’d like to make the journey in style and comfort, my recommendation is to take the Cruz del Sur bus company. Backpacking six countries in South America, I definitely had my fair share of questionable bus rides; however, Cruz del Sur was the best company I traveled with on the entire continent. Not only do they check bags and do body scans for safety reasons, they feed you a delicious hot meal, show movies in English or Spanish with subtitles, have comfortable reclining seats and provide you with a pillow and blanket. And, the bathrooms were clean and stocked with toilet paper and soap, something almost unheard of on bus transportation in South America.

If flying, the closest airports are in Piura, Tumbes or Talara. When flying internationally, you’ll need to travel to Lima first, and then take a national flight to one of the three cities.

Food

Luckily, there are many typical Peruvian restaurants in town. This means you’ll be able to easily find and enjoy local, affordable eateries. The most I ever paid for a meal in Mancora was 5 nuevo soles (about $1.80) on a set menu, which includes a starter, entree and refreshing glass of juice. A usual lunch would be a large bowl of chicken noodle soup followed by either baked chicken with rice and potatoes or goat or beef with rice, salad and beans.

Mancora is also a great place to sample some fresh ceviche, or cebiche, as you’ll see it written on restaurant signs.

To Do

When in Mancora, the best thing you can do is absolutely nothing. The town is very different from many of the popular tourist spots in Peru, and has an amazingly laid-back vibe and stress-free atmosphere. Walking down the main street, you’ll see people browsing beach-inspired markets, locals relaxing with a newspaper, playing cards or enjoying a delicious meal, and travelers with dreadlocks and baggy pants twisting each others’ hair and weaving bracelets in the sun. At the hostel I stayed at, many of the staff were backpackers who had simply fallen in love with the lifestyle of the area and didn’t want to leave.

Still, there are things to do if you so please. Most importantly, spend time on the beach. Here you’ll not only be able to sunbathe and go swimming, you’ll also be able to partake in a range of water sports and adventure activities, like surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, kitesurfing and horseback riding. I’d also recommend watching the sunrise or sunset at least once while you’re there, as the beach is such a peaceful place to watch the colorful show of nature.

If you’re in town during August, September or October, it’s definitely worth it to book a whale watching tour. During that time, humpback whales swim from Antarctic waters to breed during reproduction season. Participants have an 80 percent chance of seeing the whales diving, breaching, swimming and playing.

In Mancora, there are also many places to partake in yoga. You’ll pay about S/.20 for 90 minutes, and will feel invigorated for the rest of the day. To find a center, just walk along the beach near the hotels and you’ll find signs advertising the service. I recommend checking out Samana Chakra and Mancora Yoga: A Center for Radiant Living.

To help you relax even further, getting a massage is an option in this chill beach village. The most reputable spa in the area is Origenes Spa, which offers holistic and specialized treatments – like cooling cucumber for sunburn if you’re like me and forget how strong the sun is in Mancora. Depending on what you get will depend on the price, but some examples include a 60-minute aromatherapy massage (about $58), a honey and cucumber facial (about $52) a 2-hour fertility ritual (about $112) and a 30-minute floral bath (about $52). To see the complete menu, click here.

There is also a woman named Sarah Lane who was recommended by my hostel, who gives massages on the beach from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You can find her near the Quebrada entrance of the beach – email her at sarahlanetherapies@gmail.com or visit her website.

Day Trips

Located about an hour out of town is Cabo Blanco. Here, you’ll find the charming fishing village where Ernest Hemingway used to hangout and drink Pisco Sours while writing brilliant text like “Old Man and the Sea.” The location is also where the author caught a 700-pound Marlin fish. If you’d like an informational tour, Pacific Adventures offers a “Hemingway Route” trip that visits all the spots that inspired this legendary writer. For surfers, Cabo Blanco is also known as one of the best places in Peru for the sport.

Another day trip option is to travel about 30 minutes northeast to Poza de Barro, where you’ll find a natural hot spring and mud bath. Not only is it relaxing, a soak in the bubbling, sulfurous water is said to be good for your health, curing skin ailments, mineral deficiencies, rheumatic conditions, stress and eliminating toxins. The trip costs about S/. 35 (about $13) round trip.

Nightlife

Most of the nightlife scene revolves around the hotels and hostels. Loki Mancora is the most notorious party spot in the city, and visitors should get there before 10:00 p.m. or risk being charged an admission fee. The Point Mancora Beach also puts on regular theme parties, including their monthly Full Moon Party, which features a live DJ spinning near the pool (shown right). After 2:00 a.m., head to Cocos Beach Club or Charlie Brown’s in town to finish the night.

[Image via Surfglassy/Flickr]

How To Stay Sane While Backpacking

by Jessica Festa on

While travel is often thought of as being a luxurious and fun break from reality, there are times when you’ll probably feel like you’re losing your mind. Moving around can be exhausting, and being away from home can make you feel scattered. To help you stay sane on the road, here are some helpful tips.

Have Someone To Talk To

Having someone to talk to that is not a complete stranger when traveling is important, especially when you’re on the road for long periods of time. Simply hearing the voice of a trusted friend or relative from home at times when you’re away and feeling stressed can be a comforting reminder of home. If you don’t want to pay for long-distance calls, services like Skype and Viber allow for low-cost and free calling.Read About Extreme Journeys

Whenever I’m feeling stressed while traveling, I like to read about other nomads and adventure-enthusiasts who are also on the road, but doing crazier things than I am. While huffing and puffing my way through the Inca Trail, it was comforting to hear about Appalachian Trail expeditions, or climbs up Mount Everest. If you’re in a hut in a remote village where there is no running water, read stories about people who are living in the forest with no running water and no roof over their heads. Not only will you feel less overwhelmed about what you’re doing, you’ll feel inspired by other brave travelers.

Indulge With Comfort Food

Of course, a smart way to stay sane on the road is to keep the mind and body healthy with nutritious foods and exercise. That being said, nothing calms me more than something delicious that reminds me of home, especially when all you’ve been eating is unfamiliar local cuisine. Whether you love your mom’s homemade macaroni and cheese or a McDonald’s hamburger, indulge yourself and keep sane by giving yourself a delicious piece of home.

Get In Some Alone Time

Whether I’m traveling or at home, nothing is more effective in keeping me sane than spending some quality time with myself. When I’m traveling and feeling stressed, I love to put on my iPod and just wander around a city, getting lost in the sites and in my own head. It can give you time to think and unwind, without feeling any pressure to have a conversation. Like a silent retreat, being alone with yourself will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.

Pamper Yourself

When you feel like you’re going insane on the road, the key is to relax. For me, that usually means going to the nearest spa and getting a massage; however, this could mean different things to different people. Maybe you’ll want to splurge on a fancy hotel, go for a round of golf and find a hot tub to soak in or buy yourself a new shirt. Sometimes you need to take a break from the sightseeing, and give yourself some time to breath and turn your mind off.

Adjust Your Attitude

With that being said, the phrase “attitude is everything” holds a lot of truth. If you’re having negative thoughts, find a way to think positive. While not every situation you’ll face will be absolutely perfect, you can learn to focus on the good things and make the bad things less apparent. For example, on a recent trek on the Inca Trail in Peru, I was bummed when I found out my group for the ensuing four days was all couples – and single me. On the bus to the start of the trek, I found myself feeling lonely as I watched the couples snuggle into their bus seats, while I occupied the back by myself. However, as soon as I adjusted my attitude and told myself to focus on the incredible journey, and get to know the other participants as individuals, I ended up having an amazing and unforgettable experience.

Stay Organized

It’s easy to get frazzled when you’re constantly rummaging through you luggage, unable to find what you’re looking for. If my backpack is unorganized during my travels, it makes me feel disoriented. It’s amazing how unpacking and repacking everything in a more organized fashion can really calm you down and make you feel more centered. To help with this, buy suitcases and backpacks with many compartments, separate toiletries in plastic bags, keep similar items together, place items you’ll use often in an easy to reach place and, most importantly, pack light. The less you have, the easier it is to organize.

Watch A Movie

When I feel like I’m losing my mind on the road, nothing helps me escape more easily than watching a movie. For 90 minutes, you’ll be able to relax and completely focus on something else. If you’re staying at an accommodation without a TV, it’s also a good excuse to give yourself an upgrade. Don’t worry if your budget is small, as many hostels and B&B’s have TVs in the rooms or common rooms.

Make Your Hotel Room Your Home

Making yourself feel at home, even if you’re not, is key to keeping sane while traveling. Even doing small things, like placing a framed photo of your family, lighting a candle or bringing your favorite throw pillow can help to put you at ease on the road.

Travel Less

Stop worrying about missing out on things and seeing everything, and just enjoy what you are seeing. When you’re on the move every other day, you increase your risks of travel fatigue, as well as your chances of losing your mind abroad. Instead of getting a glimpse of 10 cities, choose two or three and get to know them in-depth. You’ll not only have a better understanding of the culture, you’ll have more energy to really enjoy the trip.

Spray Your Favorite Scent

The sense of smell is very powerful, and spraying your favorite scent can help calm your nerves and center your mind. Especially in foreign cities where unfamiliar odors are everywhere, it’s nice to smell something you’re accustomed to. Because I don’t like carrying perfume, I always make sure to bring at least one shower product with a smell I love. Then, when I’m stressed, I simply take a shower and clear my head with vanilla and sugar or wild citrus sunflower. It may sound simple, but it works.

[flickr photos via liber(the poet), cookbookman17, Witches Falls Cottages, thejaymo, Betsssssy,